Hectorite/Phenanthroline-Based Nanomaterial as Fluorescent Sensor for Zn Ion Detection: A Theoretical and Experimental Study.

The development of fluorescent materials that can act as sensors for the determination of metal ions in biological fluids is important since they show, among others, high sensitivity and specificity. However, most of the molecules that are used for these purposes possess a very low solubility in aqueous media, and, thus, it is necessary to adopt some derivation strategies. Clay minerals, for example, hectorite, as natural materials, are biocompatible and available in large amounts at a very low cost that have been extensively used as carrier systems for the delivery of different hydrophobic species. In the present work, we report the synthesis and characterization of a hectorite/phenanthroline nanomaterial as a potential fluorescent sensor for Zn ion detection in water. The interaction of phenanthroline with the Ht interlaminar space was thoroughly investigated, via both theoretical and experimental studies (i.e., thermogravimetry, FT-IR, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies and XRD measurements), while its morphology was imaged by scanning electron microscopy. Afterwards, the possibility to use it as sensor for the detection of Zn2+ ions, in comparison to other metal ions, was investigated through fluorescent measurements, and the stability of the solid Ht/Phe/Zn complex was assessed by different experimental and theoretical measurements.

Superhero media, aggression, and prosocialness: Relations in adults and gender's moderating role.

The present study aimed to observe the relationships between superhero media exposure, aggression, and prosocialness in adults. We also investigated gender's moderating role. A total of 700 Brazilians participated in the study (age mean = 25.77, SD = 8.63, SE = 0.32, 57% men). Results showed a positive relation between superhero media exposure, prosocialness (r = .18), and all aggression factors (physical: r = .13; verbal: r = .08; aggressive emotions: r = .16). Aggressive emotions mediated indirect effects of exposure (physical aggression: λ = 0.12, p < .01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05-0.21; verbal aggression: λ = 0.10, p < .01, 95% CI = 0.05-0.18). Finally, gender moderated the relationship between exposure and prosocialness (b = 0.13, t = 2.07, p = .03).

O lado obscuro da internet: uma revisão de literatura sobre o comportamento antissocial online / The internet's dark side: a literature review on antissocial online behaviour / El lado oscuro de internet: una revisión de la literatura sobre el comportamiento antisocial online

O objetivo do estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura acerca do comportamento antissocial online e, também, categorizar esses comportamentos e observar aspectos psicossociais relacionados. Para tanto, foi utilizada uma síntese qualitativa, incluindo estudos quantitativos publicados entre 2016-2020 nas bases de dados Scopus, PsycInfo, Pepsic e Scielo. Vinte e cinco estudos se adequaram às análises. Os resultados demonstraram a existência de quatro categorias de comportamento antissocial online: cyberbullying, trollagem, comportamento antissocial sexual, e cyberstalking. A tétrade sombria (narcisismo, psicopatia, Maquiavelismo e sadismo) mostrou-se o preditor mais consistente dessas categorias nos estudos. O estudo alcançou os objetivos propostos, preenchendo duas lacunas: a inexistência de categorização do comportamento antissocial online e a escassez de estudos brasileiros sobre o tema

The study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on antisocial online behavior. The objective was also to categorize these behaviors and observe related psychosocial aspects. To this end, a qualitative synthesis was used, including quantitative studies published between 2016-2020 in the Scopus, PsycInfo, Pepsic, and Scielo databases. 25 studies fitted the analyzes. The results demonstrated the existence of four antisocial online behavior categories: cyberbullying, trolling, sexual antisocial behavior, and cyberstalking. The dark tetrad (narcissism, sychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism) was the most consistent predictor of these categories among studies. The research fulfilled the proposed purposes, filling two literature gaps: The lack of categorization of antisocial online behavior; and the scarcity of Brazilian studies on the topic

El objetivo del estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre el comportamiento antisocial online. El objetivo también fue categorizar estos comportamientos y observar aspectos psicosociales relacionados. Para ello, se utilizó una síntesis cualitativa, incluyendo estudios cuantitativos publicados entre 2016-2020 en las bases de datos Scopus, PsycInfo, Pepsic y Scielo. 25 estudios se ajustan a los análisis. Los resultados demostraron la existencia de cuatro categorías de comportamiento antisocial en línea: cyberbullying, trolling, comportamiento sexual antisocial y cyberstalking. La tétrada oscura (narcisismo, psicopatía, maquiavelismo y sadismo) fue el predictor más consistente de estas categorías entre los estudios. El estudio cumplió con los objetivos propuestos, llenando dos vacíos: La falta de categorización de la conducta antisocial en línea; y la escasez de estudios brasileños sobre el tema

Low Self-Esteem, High FOMO? The Other Side of the Internet Troll.

The present study aimed to observe the impact of self-esteem and FOMO on online trolling, investigating the mediating role of antisocial online content exposure. A total of 300 social media users (27.68 years, SD = 7.15, SE = .41) participated in the study. Data analysis showed statistically significant model-fit indices (CFI = .99, GFI = .98, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .02 | 90% CI .01-.03|, SRMR = .04) to the mediation model: both self-esteem (direct effects: λ = -0.17, p < .01, indirect effects: λ = -.06, p < .05) and FOMO (direct effects: λ = .19, p < .01, indirect effects: λ = .07, p < .01) were related to online trolling, both directly and indirectly, trough antisocial online content exposure. It is possible to conclude that the objective was achieved, highlighting the importance of both personal factors and contextual characteristics of the internet in the perpetuation of online aggression.

Evaluating Leaf Wettability and Salt Hygroscopicity as Drivers for Foliar Absorption.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of foliar absorption of magnesium (Mg) salts with different deliquescence and efflorescence relative humidity values (DRH and ERH, also known as point of deliquescence (POD) and point of efflorescence (POE), respectively) when supplied to leaves of model plants with different wettability properties. For this purpose, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with lettuce (very wettable), broccoli (highly unwettable) and leek (highly unwettable). Foliar sprays contained 0.1% surfactant plus 100 mM Mg supplied as MgCl2·6H2O, Mg(NO3)2·6H2O or MgSO4·7H2O. Leaf Mg concentrations were determined 1 and 7 days after foliar application. Anion concentrations were also measured in lettuce where a significant foliar Mg absorption was detected. Leaf wettability, leaf surface free energy and fertilizer drop deposit appearance onto the foliage were assessed. It is concluded that despite including a surfactant in the spray formulation, leaf wettability plays a major role in foliar Mg absorption.

Highly efficient sequestration of aqueous lead on nanostructured calcite substrates.

Following defocused ion beam sputtering, large area highly corrugated and faceted nanoripples are formed on calcite (10.4) faces in a self-organized fashion. High resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging reveals that calcite ripples are defined by facets with highly kinked (11.0) and (21¯.12) terminations.In situAFM imaging during the exposure of such modified calcite surfaces to PbCl2aqueous solution reveals that the nanostructured calcite surface promotes the uptake of Pb. In addition, we observed the progressive smoothing of the highly reactive calcite facet terminations and the formation of Pb-bearing precipitates elongated in registry with the underlying nanopattern. By SEM-EDS analysis we quantified a remarkable 500% increase of the Pb uptake rate, up to 0.5 atomic weight % per hour, on the nanorippled calcite in comparison to its freshly cleaved (10.4) surfaces. These results suggest that nanostructurated calcite surfaces can be used for developing future systems for lead sequestration from polluted waters.

Foliar Application of Potassium Salts to Olive, with Focus on Accompanying Anions.

Potassium (K) is an essential element, which is often supplied to horticultural crops via foliar spraying. Some studies have investigated the effect of different foliar-applied K compounds; however, most studies have focussed on crop quality and yield parameters, or were performed with isolated leaf cuticles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of the foliar ion penetration and leaf surface deposition of 130 mM K sprays of compounds with markedly different point of deliquescence (POD) and efflorescence (POE) values, the rates having been previously estimated in climate chamber trials. Shoots of field-grown, commercial olive trees were sprayed with K-nitrate (KNO3), K-sulphate (K2SO4), K-chloride (KCl), K-phosphate (K3PO4), K-carbonate (K2CO3) and K-bicarbonate (KHCO3), and leaf samples were collected after 3 and 24 h. Cation and anion concentrations were determined in the leaf tissues, and in a preliminary leaf water wash for estimating surface-deposited ion concentrations. No significant leaf tissue K increments were recorded between the K sprays. Olive tissue anion concentrations showed different patterns, and a chloride (Cl-) increase was detected 3 h after the foliar KCl supply. On the other hand, the foliar K applications led to leaf nitrate changes regardless of the K source supplied. High amounts of K and accompanying ions were recovered in the washing liquid of the foliar K-supplied leaves. Some foliar K treatments increased the leaf surface concentration of sulphate and chloride, suggesting a potential effect on leaf cell anion extrusion. Hence, despite no evidence of foliar K uptake, an effect of leaf anion concentrations was observed, indicating that foliar nutrient sprays may influence leaf and leaf surface anion balance.

Online Trolling: The Impact of Antisocial Online Content, Social Media Use, and Gender.

The present study aimed to observe the relationships between online trolling, exposure to antisocial online content, frequency of social media use, and gender, using the GAM as a theoretical framework. Four hundred twenty-nine Brazilian internet users (mean = 25.07 years; SD = 7.59; EP = 0.36), most of whom were women (71.8%), participated in the survey. Bivariate correlations indicated a positive relationship between online trolling, exposure to antisocial online content (r = 0.12; p < 0.01), Facebook use (r = 0.21; p < 0.01), Twitter Use (r = 0.12; p < 0.01), and gender (r = 0.15; p < 0.01). An explanatory model including these variables was tested, and obtained a significant model fit (GFI = 0.99; Comparative Fit-Index = 0.99; Tucker Lewis Index = 0.97; Root Mean Square Residual = 0.02; RMSEA = 0.02 | CI = 0 .01-0.07 |). Were also observed indirect effects for exposure to antisocial online content through Twitter use and Facebook use on trolling (λ = 0.03; CI = 0.01-0.05; p < 0.05). It is possible to conclude that the research objectives were fulfilled, emphasizing the role of situational variables in the understanding of online trolling.

Cyberstalking scale: development and relations with gender, FOMO and social media engagement.

Cyberstalking is a form of persecution that has proliferated with technology's evolution. The present research aimed to develop a cyberstalking measure and observe its relations with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), social media engagement, and sociodemographic variables. To achieve these goals, two studies were performed. In the first study, 200 subjects (76.5% female, with a mean age of 21.6 years) answered the 15 items originally developed for the scale. These data went trough exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha to verify the reliability of the instrument. The results indicated the exclusion of five items, and after this removal, the scale was valid and reliable (α = 0.86). In the second study, which also had 200 subjects (65% female and an average age of 21.8 years), was realized confirmatory factor analysis (measuring the model fit), accompanied by correlations and mediation analysis. The analyzes demonstrated that the one-factor model was adequate (GFI = 0.98; CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.02; SRMR = 0.06). Path analysis showed social media engagement as a significant mediator of FOMO and gender's impact on cyberstalking: Both had direct (FOMO: λ = 0.31; CI = 0.19-0.42; p < 0.01; Gender: λ = 0.12; CI = 0.02-0.22; p < 0.05) and indirect effects (FOMO: λ = 0.07; CI = 0.03-0.11; p < 0.01; Gender: λ = 0.04; CI = 0.01-0.07; p < 0.01).

Development and Validation of the Secondary Victimization Scale.

Sexual violence is ubiquitous in the history of human relationships, with the victim being perceived as responsible for their own misfortune. This phenomenon is labelled secondary victimization and is manifested in blaming, minimizing the suffering, and avoiding the victim. This article presents evidence of the validity of a scale that measures individual differences in these three types of secondary victimization of rape victims. In Study 1, we developed the scale items and analyzed their content validity. In Study 2, we carried out an exploratory analysis of its factorial structure and verified the set-up of the items in three theoretically predicted factors (blaming, minimizing the suffering, and avoiding the victim), which had convergent validity with the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, and discriminant validity with the Big Five Personality Traits, in addition to having concurrent validity with the Belief in a Just World Scale (BJWS). In Study 3, we confirmed this tri-factor structure using confirmatory analysis. In Study 4, we analyzed the predictive validity of the Secondary Victimization Scale (SVS), proposing the hypothesis that secondary victimization mediates the effect of BJWS on the participants' behavior towards a rape victim. The summary of the results shows consistent evidence of the SVS's validity.

Why do we share aggressive online content? Testing a short cycle model.

The present study aimed to observe the impacts of aggressive online content exposure and personality on aggressive content sharing, considering the mediating role of positive and negative affects. A total of 302 Brazilians, equally divided into two groups, participated in a social network simulation, being exposed to aggressive (experimental group) or neutral (control group) posts and choosing what they would like to share on this site (among aggressive or nonaggressive material). A factorial MANOVA showed a significant difference for positive and negative affects and aggressive content sharing (Wilks' Λ = 0.936; F[3, 298] = 6.812; p = .001; η2 = 0.064). Through structural equation modeling, an explanatory model was also tested, in which this behavior was directly predicted by aggressive online content exposure and suffered indirect effects from openness, conscientiousness, and extroversion, mediated by positive affects (goodness-of-fit index = 0.997, comparative fit-index = 0.998, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.996, SRMR = 0.028, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.035, CI = 0.003-0.054). It is possible to conclude that the objectives are met, highlighting the contribution to understanding aggressive online behavior through the proximal processes described in the general aggression model.

Mineral Particles in Foliar Fertilizer Formulations Can Improve the Rate of Foliar Uptake.

The application of foliar sprays of suspensions of relatively insoluble essential element salts is gradually becoming common, chiefly with the introduction of nano-technology approaches in agriculture. However, there is controversy about the effectiveness of such sparingly soluble nutrient sources as foliar fertilizers. In this work, we focussed on analysing the effect of adding Ca-carbonate (calcite, CaCO3) micro- and nano-particles as model sparingly soluble mineral compounds to foliar fertilizer formulations in terms of increasing the rate of foliar absorption. For these purposes, we carried out short-term foliar application experiments by treating leaves of species with variable surface features and wettability rates. The leaf absorption efficacy of foliar formulations containing a surfactant and model soluble nutrient sources, namely Ca-chloride (CaCl2), magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), potassium nitrate (KNO3), or zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), was evaluated alone or after addition of calcite particles. In general, the combination of the Ca-carbonate particles with an essential element salt had a synergistic effect and improved the absorption of Ca and the nutrient element provided. In light of the positive effects of using calcite particles as foliar formulation adjuvants, dolomite nano- and micro-particles were also tested as foliar formulation additives, and the results were also positive in terms of increasing foliar uptake. The observed nutrient element foliar absorption efficacy can be partially explained by geochemical modelling, which enabled us to predict how these formulations will perform at least in chemical terms. Our results show the major potential of adding mineral particles as foliar formulation additives, but the associated mechanisms of action and possible additional benefits to plants should be characterised in future investigations.

Effect of Iron Isomorphic Substitution in Mg:Al and Zn:Al-Layered Double-Hydroxide Structures by Means of First Principle Calculations.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are important components in terrestrial and extra-terrestrial environments. The presence of iron in these minerals provides them a wide potential application in environmental and materials sciences. In this work, the role of Fe in the crystallographic properties of LDHs M2+:M3+ 2:1 with Mg:(Fe,Al), Mg:Fe, Zn:(Fe,Al), and Zn:Fe is investigated by means of quantum mechanical calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). Several relative proportions of Fe are studied. The cation ordering of these LDHs has been explored, finding useful insights for experimental synthetic paths of these minerals. The a and b cell parameters increase with the iron concentration. Some diffraction lines at high angle decrease in angle and increase in intensity with the increasing iron concentration. All of them agree with the experimental results. The iron substitutions tend to aggregate.

Modelo explicativo de não adesão ao paradigma psicossocial da saúde mental / Explanatory model of non-adhesion to the psychosocial mental health paradigm / Modelo explicativo de la no adhesión al paradigma psicosocial de la salud mental

Este estudo teve como objetivo propor um modelo explicativo de não adesão ao paradigma psicossocial da saúde mental a partir dos estereótipos, das crenças sobre a etiologia da doença mental, da percepção de ameaça e do preconceito. Para tanto, contou-se com a participação de 400 universitários, com média de idade de 24,64 anos (DP = 6, 64), sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (75,6%). Para a proposição do modelo, foi realizada uma path analysis. O modelo proposto demonstrou que quanto maior a percepção de ameaça e a concordância com o estereótipo de incapacidade, menor o apoio ao paradigma psicossocial. Ademais, verificou-se que as crenças acerca da etiologia da doença mental e os estereótipos estão na base da percepção de ameaça e todas essas variáveis juntas predizem maior preconceito. Os achados desta pesquisa fornecem subsídios científicos para a realização de intervenções eficazes e consistentes que fortaleçam o paradigma psicossocial no cenário nacional. (AU)

This study aimed to propose an explanatory model of non-adherence to the psychosocial paradigm of mental health based on stereotypes, beliefs about the etiology of mental illness, perception of threat, and prejudice. Participants included a total of 400 university students, with a mean age of 24.64 years (SD = 6, 64), mostly women (75.6%). A path analysis was performed to propose the model, which showed that the greater the perception of threat and the agreement with the disability stereotype, the lower the support for the psychosocial paradigm. Furthermore, it was found that beliefs about the etiology of mental illness and stereotypes are at the basis of the perception of threat and all these variables together predict greater prejudice. The findings of this research provide scientific support for effective and consistent interventions that strengthen the psychosocial paradigm on the national scene. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo proponer un modelo explicativo de la no adherencia al paradigma psicosocial de la salud mental basado en estereotipos, creencias sobre la etiología de la enfermedad mental, percepción de amenaza y prejuicio. Para ello participaron 400 estudiantes universitarios, con una edad media de 24,64 años (DS = 6,64), siendo la mayoría mujeres (75,6 %). Para la proposición del modelo, se realizó un path análisis. El modelo sugerido demostró que, a mayor percepción de amenaza y concordancia con el estereotipo de discapacidad, menor apoyo al paradigma psicosocial. Además, se encontró que las creencias sobre la etiología de la enfermedad mental y los estereotipos están en la base de la percepción de amenaza y todas estas variables en conjunto predicen un mayor prejuicio. Los hallazgos de esta investigación brindan soporte científico para ejecutar intervenciones efectivas y consistentes que fortalezcan el paradigma psicosocial en el escenario nacional. (AU)

Cowpea: A low-cost quality protein source for food safety in marginal areas for agriculture.

Cowpea is a low-cost protein source for human nutrition for the world's impoverished regions. Therefore, the yield and total grain protein content (TGPC) of two modern commercials genotypes, Novaera and Gurguéia, and two traditional local genotypes, Paulistinha and EPACE-10, were studied. Also, leaf area and dry weight, leaf soluble protein content, and chlorophyll a fluorescence, parameters related to photosynthetic capacity, were used to evaluate genotypes. Under optimal conditions, the yield of EPACE-10 and Paulistinha, with higher TGPC, was lower than for Gurguéia and Novaera, which showed lower TGPC. The four cowpea genotypes showed high lysine content and low methionine and cysteine. The results revealed a negative correlation between yield and TGPC. The modern commercial genotype Novaera showed a high yield with low TGPC but a higher globulin and albumin content than Gurguéia. Thus, it can be used in high-input agriculture. In contrast, the traditional local genotype EPACE-10, with high TGPC and higher amino acid content than Paulistinha, is indicated for low-input agriculture in marginal areas for food safety under climate changes.

Narcisismo, pró-sociabilidade e agressão: o papel mediador da empatia / Narcisismo, prosociabilidad y agresión: el papel mediador de la empatía / Narcissism as Predictor of Pro-Socialness and Aggression: The Mediating Role of Empathy

O presente estudo objetivou investigar o papel mediador da empatia, tomando em conta o narcisismo como variável preditora em dois diferentes modelos, tendo a pró-sociabilidade como variável dependente no primeiro e as dimensões de agressão no segundo. Para isso, contouse com uma amostra de 205 participan-tes da cidade de João Pessoa (m = 27.43; dp= 9.13). Utilizouse a Single-Item Narcissism Scale, aEscala Multidimensional de Reatividade Interpessoal, a Es-cala de Pró-sociabilidade, o Questionário de Agressão e um questionário sociodemográfico. Os dados foram processados com o auxílio do ibmspss e amos através das análises descritivas e inferenciais (correlações e me-diação). Os resultados apontaram para efeitos diretos negativos do narcisismo na empatia e no comportamento pró-social; e efeitos diretos positivos na agressão. Além disso, verificouse o papel mediador da empatia na relação entre o narcisismo e a pró-sociabilidade, não encontrado na relação narcisismo e agressão. Esses achados corroboram estudos prévios, bem como contribuem para o entendimento das interrelações dos construtos estudados.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el papel mediador de la empatía, teniendo en cuenta el narcisismo como variable predictora en dos modelos diferentes, con la prosociabilidad como variable dependiente en el primero y las dimensiones de agresión en el segundo. Para ello, se contó una muestra de 205 encuestados de la ciudad de João Pessoa (m= 27.43; sd= 9.13). Se utilizó la Escala de Narcisismo de Ítem Único, la Escala de Reactividad Interpersonal Multidimensional, la Es-cala de Prosociabilidad, el Cuestionario de Agresión yun cuestionario sociodemográfico. Los datos fueron procesados con la ayuda de ibmspss y amos, a través de análisis descriptivos e inferenciales (correlaciones y mediación). Los resultados apuntaron a efectos negativos directos del narcisismo sobre la empatía y el comportamiento prosocial, y a efectos directos positivos sobre la agresión. Además, se verificó el papel mediador de la empatía en la relación entre narcisismo y prosociabilidad, lo que no se encontró en la relación entre narcisismo y agresión. Estos hallazgos corroboran estudios previos, además de contribuir a la comprensión de las interrelaciones de los constructos estudiados.

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of empathy, considering narcissism as a predictor variable in two different models, with pro-sociality as the dependent variable in the first and dimensions of agression in the second. The sample was composed of 205 respondents from João Pessoa (m= 27.43, sd = 9.13). We used the Single-Item Narcissism Scale, the Multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Scale, the Pro-Sociability Scale, the Aggression Questionnaire, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The data were processed using ibmspssand amos through descriptive and inferential analyses (correlations and mediation). The main results pointed to negative direct effects of narcissism on empathy and pro-social behavior and to direct positive effects on ag-gression. Furthermore, it was confirmed that empathy has a mediating role in the relation between narcissism and pro-sociability, which was not found for the relation between narcissism and aggression. These findings corro-borate previous studies and contribute to the comprehension of the interrelationships of the studied constructs.

The MOVIE model: Assessing movie preferences and personality correlates / O modelo MOVIE: Avaliando a preferência por filmes e os correlatos com personalidade / El modelo MOVIE: Evaluando la preferencia por películas y los correlatos con la personalidade

Watching movies is a common fun form, generating billions of dollars annually. However, few studies explored individual differences that predict movie preferences, even considering that they reflect some personality features. One of the main limitations in the area is the lack of measures and models that operationalize the structure of movie preferences. Thus, in the present study, we proposed and tested a five-factor measure to assess movie preferences: the MOVIE (Melodrama, cOmic, Violent, Imaginative, and Exciting) model. The structure presented acceptable psychometric parameters besides meaningful associations with personality traits. These results, even with low magnitudes, show that the process of choosing a movie or content may reflect specific personality traits and reinforce the role that personality can play in the real world.

Assistir a filmes é uma forma comum de diversão, gerando bilhões de dólares por ano a indústria do cinema. No entanto, poucos estudos exploraram as diferenças individuais que predizem as preferências por filmes, mesmo considerando que estas refletem algumas características da personalidade. Uma das principais limitações da área é a falta de medidas e modelos que operacionalizem a estrutura de preferências cinematográficas. Assim, no presente estudo, propusemos e testamos uma medida de cinco fatores para avaliar as preferências de filmes: o modelo MOVIE (Melodrama, cOmic, Violent, Imaginative e Exciting). Tal estrutura apresentou parâmetros psicométricos aceitáveis, além de associações significativas com traços de personalidade. Esses resultados, mesmo com magnitudes baixas, mostram que o processo de escolha de um filme ou conteúdo pode refletir traços específicos de personalidade e reforçar o papel que a personalidade pode desempenhar no mundo real.

Ver películas es una forma común de diversión que genera millones de dólares al año. Sin embargo, pocos estudios están considerando las diferencias individuales que predicen las preferencias cinematográficas, incluso si reflejan algunos rasgos de personalidad. Una de las principales limitaciones en el área es la falta de medidas y modelos que operacionalicen la estructura de las preferencias cinematográficas. Por lo tanto, en el presente estudio, propusimos y probamos una medida de cinco factores para evaluar las preferencias cinematográficas: el modelo MOVIE (Melodrama, cOmic, Violent, Imaginative, and Exciting). Dicha estructura presentó parámetros psicométricos aceptables, además de asociaciones significativas con los rasgos de personalidad. Estos resultados, incluso con magnitudes bajas, muestran que el proceso de elección de una película o contenido puede reflejar rasgos de personalidad específicos y reforzar el papel que la personalidad puede desempeñar en el mundo real.

Insights from the use of erythropoietin in experimental Chagas disease.

In addition to the long-established role in erythropoiesis, erythropoietin (Epo) has protective functions in a variety of tissues, including the heart. This is the most affected organ in chronic Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite seven million people being infected with T. cruzi worldwide, there is no effective treatment preventing the disease progression to the chronic phase when the pathological involvement of the heart is often observed. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy has a wide variety of manifestations, like left ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Since Epo may help maintain cardiac function by reducing myocardial necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, this study aimed to evaluate whether the Epo has positive effects on experimental Chagas disease. For that, we assessed the earlier (acute phase) and also the later (chronic phase) use of Epo in infected C57BL/6 mice. Blood cell count, biochemical parameters, parasitic load, and echocardiography data were evaluated. In addition, histopathological analysis was carried out. Our data showed that Epo had no trypanocide effect nor did it modify the production of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Epo-treated groups exhibited parasitic burden much lower in the heart compared to blood. No pattern of hematological changes was observed combining infection with treatment with Epo. Chronic Epo administration reduced CK-MB serum activity from d0 to d180, irrespectively of T. cruzi infection. Likewise, echocardiography and histological results indicate that Epo treatment is more effective in the chronic phase of experimental Chagas disease. Since treatment is one of the greatest challenges of Chagas disease, alternative therapies should be investigated, including Epo combined with benznidazole.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Intercalation of Naproxen into the Mg2Al and Zn2Al Layered Double Hydroxides by Ion Exchange Reaction.

In this work, Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) materials carrying the worldwide administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen (NAP), and the sodium naproxenate salt (NaNAP) for comparison, were studied by computational approaches aiming to model the structure of hybrid LDH-drug and shed light on NAP intercalation process. Atomic modeling calculations were performed at the quantum mechanical level based on Density Functional Theory and classical force fields based on empirical interatomic potentials. LDHNAP materials were prepared by ion exchange reaction from Mg2Al(OH)6Cl and Zn2Al(OH)6Cl pristine phases. The characterization of the materials confirmed NAP intercalation and also the permanence of the pristine phases in the isolated materials after ion exchange. Crystallographic lattice parameters, elemental analysis, and TGA experimental results were then employed in the calculations, which revealed that NAP anions can completely neutralize the positive charge of the LDH layers: both Mg2Al and Zn2Al LDH structures could be optimized with all Cl- anions substituted by NAP. The drug assumed different dispositions in the NaNAP crystal or when intercalated into LDH. Additionally, infrared wavenumbers calculations agreed with the experimental results and showed useful to support LDHNAP bands assignment. The employed theoretical models to represent the structure of LDHNAP systems are expected to assist the interpretation of future experimental results and to be used as auxiliary tools to tune properties of LDH-drug pharmaceutical formulations.

From conservatism to support for gay conversion therapy: the role of prejudice and beliefs about same-sex sexuality.

Support for Gay Conversion Therapy may be motivated by homophobic prejudice driven by conservative groups. We propose that Support for Gay Conversion Therapy (SGCT) is motivated by conservatism and that this relationship is mediated by prejudice against gay individuals. We tested these hypotheses in three studies. In Study 1 (N = 249), we found that conservative values predict SGCT, and that this effect is partly mediated by prejudice. In Study 2 (N = 247), we replicated this mediation and found that ethical-religious and psychological essentialist beliefs differently moderated it. Study 3 (N = 210) went further by experimentally showing the political consequences of SGCT. We showed that more conservative individuals tend to absolve psychologists who practice sexual conversion, and that both prejudice and conservative-motivated SGCT mediated this effect. We discussed these results by emphasizing the psychosocial process that motivates SGCT.